Scrimmage shows that Jets' offense needs work

CORTLAND — Geno Smith, Michael Vick and the Jets' offense still have plenty of work to do.

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By ASSOCIATED PRESS

recordonline.com

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

Posted Aug. 2, 2014 at 11:50 PM
Updated Aug 2, 2014 at 11:51 PM

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

Posted Aug. 2, 2014 at 11:50 PM
Updated Aug 2, 2014 at 11:51 PM

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CORTLAND — Geno Smith, Michael Vick and the Jets' offense still have plenty of work to do.

Rex Ryan's defense kept his offense out of the end zone in the team's scrimmage Saturday night at the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex.

"I'm pretty sure that goes down as a win in my book," defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson said with a smile.

Smith, looking to retain the starting job, finished 7-of-14 for 84 yards — including two drops and two others that were nearly intercepted.

"We didn't score enough points as an offense," Smith said. "We got down into the red zone two or three times, had an opportunity to score and only came away with three points. We've got to do a better job of capitalizing once we get down into the red zone and taking full advantage of our opportunities."

As Smith was talking to reporters, a post-scrimmage fireworks show started and he stepped back and looked to the sky. "Let's enjoy the fireworks," he said. "That's the best part of this whole night, right now."

Vick, expected to back up Smith or step in if he falters, was 7-of-13 for 47 yards and also ran for a team-leading 35 yards.

"As an offense, you always want to try to put points on the board, (but) we couldn't do it," Vick said. "Our defense is extremely tough. I don't know if they game-planned for us in one day or what, but they did a good job."

The two quarterbacks each took snaps with the first- and second-team offenses as the Jets prepare for their preseason opener Thursday night at home against Indianapolis.

Ryan highlighted the offensive line's protection of the quarterbacks, and was impressed by the defense's tackling. He also wasn't too concerned that the offense was held to a few field goals by Nick Folk and Andrew Furney.